Dolphin back to winning ways

UL Bohemians 14 Dolphin 32

AIB League Division 1A

Dolphin got back to winning ways in AIB League Division 1A with a smash and grab triumph over lowly UL Bohemians at Thomond Park.

The Cork side struck for three tries in a devastating seven-minute spell as they kept on track for a shot at the play-offs, with third-placed Shannon now just one point ahead of them in the table.

The result, UL Bohs' ninth defeat of the league campaign, means the Limerick students will be playing in Division 1B next season - unless they win their final three matches - including bonus points in each one - and Blackrock fail to pick up any points in their three remaining games.

UL have the makings of a very good side and Martin McPhail, Cian Aherne and the provincially-capped Danny Riordan offer plenty of pace out wide.

It was in the forwards that Dolphin turned the screw, despite missing influential back row duo James Coughlan and Nick Williams.

Tries from Riordan and flanker Kieran O'Gorman had the hosts 14-8 up, at one stage in the third quarter, but Dolphin blazed ahead with a penalty try adding to efforts from backs Sam Cronin, Danny Barnes and Rory Kenneally.

Scrum half Cronin was in very good form, following his captaincy of the Ireland Club XV side last weekend, and his half-back partner Barry Keeshan kept the scoreboard ticking with three conversions, a penalty and a drop goal.

Sean Henry, Dave Foley and John Ed O'Connor tried their hearts out for a valiant Bohs outfit and while the final scoreline is flattering to Dolphin, Steve Ford's men were the better collective unit on the day.

Scorers: UL Bohemians: Tries: Kieran O’Gorman, Danny Riordan; Cons: Danny Kelly 2

Dolphin: Tries: Rory Kenneally, Sam Cronin, Danny Barnes, Penalty try; Cons: Barry Keeshan 3; Pen: Barry Keeshan; Drop: Barry Keeshan